
This project represents a major milestone in industrial heat electrification. It is the world’s largest steam-generating heat pump in operation and a true first-of-a-kind installation, combining a large hydrocarbon-cycle heat pump and a steam compressor in a novel series configuration capable of achieving steam conditions that neither technology could reach independently. The system uses natural refrigerant R600a (isobutane), with very low environmental impact (GWP 3, ODP 0), and a highly customized thermodynamic cycle optimized for high-temperature steam production. Beyond its innovative design, the plant has exceeded its contractual performance guarantees, achieving COP values above target and steam production up to 20 t/h. It has demonstrated exceptional operational flexibility, including rapid warm restarts within minutes and the ability to withstand major process disturbances, such as a 40% drop in thermal output during a paper break, without tripping. The project also delivers tangible environmental and operational benefits, avoiding approximately 19,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, achieving 98.3% technical availability, and fully electrifying steam generation under normal operation. Furthermore, it was successfully retrofitted into a paper mill with limited installation space, demonstrating the flexibility of large-scale heat pump solutions even where space availability is limited.
Browse through the projects across the three categories.
Identify the project you are convinced is making the greatest impact.
Vote for your favourite project using the link below.